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6

S

ECTION

 2 — I

MPORTANT

 S

AFE

 O

PERATION

 P

RACTICES

3. 

Periodically check to make sure the blades come to 
complete stop within approximately (5) five seconds after 
operating the blade disengagement control. If the blades 
do not stop within the this time frame, your machine 
should be serviced professionally by an authorized Service 
Dealer.

4. 

Regularly check the safety interlock system for proper 
function, as described later in this manual. If the safety 
interlock system does not function properly, have your 
machine serviced professionally by an authorized dealer.

5. 

Check the blade(s) and engine mounting bolts at frequent 
intervals for proper tightness. Also, visually inspect blade(s) 
for damage (e.g., excessive wear, bent, cracked).   Replace 
the blade(s) with the original equipment manufacturer’s 
(O.E.M.) blade(s) only, listed in this manual. “Use of parts 
which do not meet the original equipment specifications 
may lead to improper performance and compromise 
safety!” 

6. 

Mower blades are sharp. Wrap the blade or wear gloves, 
and use extra caution when servicing them.

7. 

Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight to be sure the 
equipment is in safe working condition. 

8. 

Never tamper with the safety interlock system or other 
safety devices. Check their proper operation regularly.

9. 

After striking a foreign object, stop the engine, disconnect 
the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine. 
Thoroughly inspect the machine for any damage. Repair 
the damage before starting and operating.

10. 

Never attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the 
machine while the engine is running.

11. 

Grass catcher components and the discharge cover are 
subject to wear and damage which could expose moving 
parts or allow objects to be thrown. For safety protection, 
frequently check components and replace immediately 
with original equipment manufacturer’s (O.E.M.) parts only, 
listed in this manual. “Use of parts which do not meet the 
original equipment specifications may lead to improper 
performance and compromise safety!”

12. 

Do not change the engine governor settings or over-speed 
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe 
operating speed of the engine. 

13. 

Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as 
necessary. 

14. 

Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil, 
etc. to protect the environment.

15. 

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission 
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 
this product has an 

Average Useful Life

 of seven (7) years, 

or 270 hours of operation. At the end of the 

Average Useful 

Life

 have the machine inspected annually by an authorized 

service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety 
systems are working properly and not worn excessively. 
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.

Do not modify engine

To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any 
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway 
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper 
with factory setting of engine governor.

Notice Regarding Emissions

Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal 
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment) 
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and 
may include the following emission control systems: Engine 
Modification (EM) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.

Spark Arrestor

WARNING! 

This machine is equipped with an 

internal combustion engine and should not be used 
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, 
brushcovered or grass-covered land unless the 
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark 
arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if 
any).

If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective 
working order by the operator. 

A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest 
engine authorized service dealer.

WARNING!

 

Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and 

follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine. 

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Summary of Contents for RZT L Series

Page 1: ...FETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY LES DISTRIBUTIONS RVI LIMITÉE 2955 JEAN BAPTISTE DESCHAMPS LACHINE QUEBEC H8T 1C5 MTD LLC P O BOX 361131 CLEVELAND OHIO 44136 0019 OPERATOR S MANUAL RZT L Series Tractor 769 08893 2 25 13 ...

Page 2: ...ecifications designs and equipment without notice and without incurring obligation This product has met the rigid safety standards of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and an independent testing laboratory If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine phone your local authorized service dealer Throughout this manual all references to right and left side of the machine are observ...

Page 3: ... instructions may result in personal injury When you see this symbol HEED ITS WARNING DANGER This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in this manual As with any type of power equipment carelessness or error on the part of the operator can result in serious injury This machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and throwing objects Failure to observe the ...

Page 4: ... which can result in severe injury or death All slopes require extra caution If you cannot back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it do not mow it For your safety use the slope gauge included as part of this manual to measure slopes before operating this machine on a sloped or hilly area If the slope is greater than 15 degrees as shown on the slope gauge do not operate this machine on that are...

Page 5: ... jack knife and cause tractor to overturn Service Safe Handling of Gasoline 1 To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care in handling gasoline Gasoline is extremely flammable and the vapors are explosive Serious personal injury can occur when gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite Wash your skin and change clothes immediately a Use only an approved gasoli...

Page 6: ...quipment specifications may lead to improper performance and compromise safety 12 Do not change the engine governor settings or over speed the engine The governor controls the maximum safe operating speed of the engine 13 Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels as necessary 14 Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas oil etc to protect the environment 15 According to the Cons...

Page 7: ...he cutting deck Contact with the blade s can amputate hands and feet WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury WARNING THROWN OBJECTS This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury BYSTANDERS Keep bystanders helpers children and pets at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation...

Page 8: ...ect See Figure 1 and Figure 2 4 Adjust gauge up or down until the left corner touches the slope See Figure 1 and Figure 2 5 If there is a gap below the gauge the slope is too steep for safe operation See Figure 2 above 1 5 d a s h e d l i n e Slope Gauge Figure 2 Figure 1 15 Slope 15 Slope WARNING Slopes are a major factor related to tip over and roll over accidents which can result in severe inju...

Page 9: ...ing steps a b after moving the tractor See Figure 3 1 3 Remove the deck wash system nozzle adapter from the manual bag and store for future use Install Operator s Seat To install the seat proceed as follows NOTE The seat is shipped with the seat switch and seat pan attached 1 Cut any straps securing the seat assembly and the drive control levers to the tractor Remove any packing material NOTE Be c...

Page 10: ... Maintenance Adjustments for instructions for the final adjustment of the levers Connecting the Battery Cables CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING Battery posts terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm Wash hands after handling CAUTION When attaching battery cables always connect the POSITIVE Re...

Page 11: ...lace will aid in installing the chute See Figure 3 6 Push Nuts Flange Lock Nuts Carriage Bolts Figure 3 6 3 Install the discharge chute deflector using the carriage bolts push nuts and flange lock nuts as shown in Figure 3 7 and securely tighten the hardware Discharge Chute Deflector Flange Lock Nuts Push Nuts Carriage Bolts Figure 3 7 Adjusting the Seat To adjust the position of the seat pull up ...

Page 12: ...actor The levers must be fully opened out and in the neutral position to start the tractor engine When the levers are fully outward the parking brake is also engaged Each lever controls the respective RH or LH transmission Consequently these levers control all of the movements of the tractor Driving and steering utilizing these control levers is quite different from conventional tractors and will ...

Page 13: ...ard until you feel it move past the choke detent FAST SLOW Ignition Switch The ignition switch is located on the RH console to the rear of the PTO switch The ignition switch has three positions as follows STOP The engine and electrical system is turned off RUN The tractor electrical system is energized START The starter motor will turn over the engine Release the key immediately when the engine st...

Page 14: ...he LCD will flash as described for five minutes every time the tractor s engine is started during this maintenance interval Follow the oil change intervals provided in the engine manual FAST SLOW HOURS 1 10 PTO BLADE P ARK BRAKE OIL BA TT Indicator Panel Features Battery Indicator Illuminates and the battery voltage is displayed briefly when the ignition switch it turned to the ON position Illumin...

Page 15: ...ting Your Tractor t Before you operate the tractor study this manual carefully to familiarize yourself with the operation of all the instruments and controls It has been prepared to help you operate and maintain your tractor efficiently t This engine is certified to operate only on clean fresh unleaded regular gasoline For best results fill the fuel tank with only clean fresh unleaded gasoline wit...

Page 16: ...ing the engine under load 8 Observe the hour meter indicator panel If the battery indicator light or oil pressure light come on immediately stop the engine Have the tractor inspected by your dealer Cold Weather Starting When starting the engine at temperatures near or below freezing ensure the correct viscosity motor oil is used in the engine and the battery is fully charged Start the engine as fo...

Page 17: ...ase the tractor will not drive when the lap bars are moved If this happens move the lap bar in the opposite direction slightly to take the load off the brakes and allow them to release fully NOTE If the control levers are not even in the neutral position refer to Maintenance Adjustments for instructions to adjust the levers so that they are even 3 Move the throttle control lever forward to the ful...

Page 18: ...s lever forward to attain the desired speed or move the levers to the neutral position to stop the tractor Turning the Tractor While Driving Forward WARNING When reversing the direction of travel we recommend performing gradual U turns where possible Sharper turns increase the possibility of turf defacement and could affect control of the tractor ALWAYS slow the tractor before making sharp turns T...

Page 19: ... the turn side drive control lever to the neutral position while moving the other control lever rearward NOTE Making a pivot turn on grass will greatly increase the potential for defacement of the turf Executing a Zero Turn WARNING When executing a zero turn the tractor MUST BE STOPPED Executing a zero turn while the tractor is moving can significantly reduce your control of the tractor and will c...

Page 20: ... are moved to the reverse position To re engage the PTO the levers must be in the neutral or froward drive position and the PTO switch must be placed in the OFF disengaged position and then returned to the ON engaged position Using the Mower Deck WARNING Make certain the area to be mowed is free of debris sticks stones wire or other objects that can be thrown by the rotating blades NOTE Do not eng...

Page 21: ... position Momentarily turn the ignition switch to the start position the engine should not crank 2 Move both control levers fully inward in the neutral position then lift upward from the operator s seat The engine should stop 3 With both control levers fully outward in the neutral parking brake engaged position engage the PTO Lift upward from the operator s seat the engine should stop 4 Start the ...

Page 22: ...bricating oil Cleaning the Spindle Pulleys Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any accumulation of grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys and V belt Clean more often when mowing tall dry grass Using the Deck Wash System WARNING When using the deck wash system never engage the deck from any position other than the operator s seat of the tractor Do not use an assistant or engage d...

Page 23: ...ield eyes and protect skin and clothing when working near batteries t Batteries contain sulfuric acid and may emit explosive gases Use extreme caution when handling batteries Keep batteries out of the reach of children Battery Maintenance t The battery is filled with battery acid and then sealed at the factory However even a maintenance free battery requires some maintenance to ensure its proper l...

Page 24: ...e goal of running the fuel tank empty t Run the engine until it begins to stall Use the choke to keep the engine running until all fuel in the carburetor has been exhausted t Referring to the engine manual drain the fuel from the carburetor bowl 3 Clean the engine and the entire tractor thoroughly 4 Fully charge the battery then disconnect the negative cable at the battery to prevent possible disc...

Page 25: ...owing position and rotate both outside blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor 2 Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground Both measurements taken should be equal If they re not proceed to the next step 3 Loosen but do NOT remove the hex bolt on the rear left deck hanger link See F...

Page 26: ... Figure 6 5 Lock Nut Front Deck Lift Rod Figure 6 5 6 The deck is properly leveled when the front tip of the blade is 1 4 lower than the rear tip Retighten the hex bolt on the left rear deck hanger links when proper adjustment is achieved Adjusting the Front Gauge Wheels WARNING Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck The front gauge wheels on the mower deck are an ...

Page 27: ...ly on the cylinder walls Replace the spark plugs 5 Clean the engine and the entire riding mower thoroughly NOTE Use of a pressure washer or garden hose is not recommended to clean your riding mower They may cause damage to electrical components spindles pulleys bearings or the engine The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability 6 Sharpen the blades so that the mower wil...

Page 28: ... or higher across the battery terminals See Figure 7 2 Voltmeter Reading State of Charge Charging Time 12 7 100 Full Charge 12 4 75 90 Min 12 2 50 180 Min 12 0 25 280 Min Figure 7 2 t Charge the battery with a 12 volt battery charger at a MAXIMUM rate of 10 amps Servicing Electrical System A fuse is installed to protect the tractor s electrical system from damage caused by excessive amperage Alway...

Page 29: ...til the belt is rolled off the pulley Refer to Figure 7 5 PTO Pulley PTO Belt Transmission Tube Figure 7 5 5 Lower the deck into the lowest position using the deck lift handle See Figure 7 3 Releasing Belt Tension with the Idler Pulley 1 Using the deck lift handle raise the deck to the position that provides the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on t...

Page 30: ...ward through the lift arms to secure the arms in the rear hanger bracket slots 6 Reinstall the front deck lift rod and secure in place with the cotter pin Refer to Figure 7 6 7 Make certain the V belt is in the spindle pulleys on the deck then route the belt rearward beneath the tractor frame above the transmission tube s to the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine 8 Using the deck lift handle r...

Page 31: ...ley Idler Pulley Belt Guard Spacer Shoulder Spacer Idler Arm Hex Screw Flat Washer Hex Screw Figure 7 11 NOTE Take note of the position of the belt guard to ensure they are properly re installed Replacing the Belt 42 Deck 1 Remove the deck from beneath the tractor refer to Deck Removal on page 28 2 Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to the deck See Figure 7 8 Hex Washer Screws B...

Page 32: ... Pulley Idler Arm Figure 7 12 3 Remove the two idler pulleys by removing the hex screws and flange lock nuts that secure them to the deck and the idler arm See Figure 7 13 Do not lose any of the hardware when removing the hex screw and flange lock nut Flange Lock Nut Idler Pulley Idler Pulley Spacer Idler Arm Hex Screw Hex Screw Pulley Cap Belt Guard Belt Guard Flange Lock Nut Figure 7 13 NOTE Tak...

Page 33: ... page 28 then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside 2 Use a 15 16 wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose the hex nut securing the blade See Figure 7 14 Hex Flange Nut Spindle Assembly Wood Block Figure 7 14 3...

Page 34: ...deck adjustment 2 Sharpen or replace blade 3 Check tire pressure in all four tires Mower will not mulch grass If Equipped w Mulching Kit 1 Engine speed too low 2 Wet grass 3 Excessively high grass 4 Dull blade 1 Place throttle choke control lever in FAST rabbit position 2 Do not mulch when grass is wet 3 Mow once at a high cutting height then mow again at desired height or make a narrower cutting ...

Page 35: ...Spindle RZT L42 734 04155 Deck Wheel 925 1707D Battery 951 12428 Fuel Tank Cap NOTE Download a complete Parts Manual refer to customer support on page 2 Be sure to have your model number and serial number ready These can be found on the model plate located under the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers ...

Page 36: ... Assy RZT L42 634 04293 0911 Wheel Assembly RZT L42 634 04237B Caster Wheel Assy RZT L42 NOTE Download a complete Parts Manual refer to customer support on page 2 Be sure to have your model number and serial number ready These can be found on the model plate located under the seat Refer to page 2 for more information regarding locating your model and serial numbers ...

Page 37: ...ur RZT L tractor See your dealer or the retailer from which you purchased your tractor for information regarding price and availability Part Number Part 19B70020 19B70020OEM 42 46 Twin Bagger 19A30006 19A30006OEM 42 Mulch Kit 19A70031 19A70031OEM Rear Engine Guard 19A70025 19A70025100 Rear Hitch ...

Page 38: ...ays If you have a question regarding your warranty coverage you should contact the MTD Consumer Group Inc Service Department In the U S A MTD LLC at P O Box 361131 Cleveland Ohio 44136 0019 or call 1 800 800 7310 or 1 330 220 4683 or log on to our Web site at www mtdproducts com In Canada MTD Products Limited Kitchener ON N2G 4J1 or call 1 800 668 1238 or log on to our Web site at www mtdcanada co...

Page 39: ...nty coverage may be excluded from such warranty coverage if MTD Consumer Group Inc demonstrates that the outdoor equipment engine has been abused neglected or improperly maintained and that such abuse neglect or improper maintenance was the direct cause of the need for repair or replacement of the part That notwithstanding any adjustment of a component that has a factory installed and properly ope...

Page 40: ...stments clutch adjustments deck adjustments and normal deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or exposure d Service completed by someone other than an authorized service dealer e MTD does not extend any warranty for products sold or exported outside of Canada including possessions and territories f Replacement parts that are not genuine MTD parts g Transportation charges and service calls...

Page 41: ...E RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS SERVICE DEALERS Belts light bulbs clutch parts friction wheels grass bags tires seats rider deck wheels and cutting blades are covered by a 60 day limited warranty Batteries are warranted against defect for 90 days at 100 of their value and 50 of their value for the period between the 91st day and the 120th day Fuses shear bolts and blade adapters are considered consumab...

Page 42: ...Notes 42 ...

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